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Darren Chester opposes GPs prescribing 60-day meds citing health risks and supply chain issues

Darren Chester urges the government to reject a proposal for GPs to prescribe 60-day medication, citing supply chain issues and potential risks to public health.

By news@gippsland - 26th April 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the federal government should rule out legislative changes which would allow GPs to prescribe two months' worth of medication in place of the current one month recommendation. Mr Chester said he had been contacted by several pharmacists across Gippsland who have highlighted the risks of such a move and the negative impacts on clients.

Local MP Darren Chester, after getting a flu shot from a pharmacist, opposes GPs prescribing 60-day medication and urges the government to reject it

Plan hurts the pharmacists

Mr Chester said, "This is an ill-considered plan by a city-focused Labor government that will only benefit large metropolitan-based suppliers at the expense of regional community pharmacists. On the surface, reducing the number of times a patient needs to visit a GP to renew a prescription may sound attractive, but it doesn't take into account the longer term consequences."

"Pharmacists are telling me they already experience serious supply chain issues when it comes to critical medications across the country. I'm advised by Gippsland pharmacists that increasing the medication supply from the current 30-day to 60-day dispensing will exacerbate the already alarming issue of medicine shortages."

"Our country has been facing this challenge for some time now, and this proposed change will only place further strain on the existing supply chain, making it more difficult for patients to access their essential medications." Mr Chester said.

Dispensing extension risks

Mr Chester added, "The longer dispensing period will lead to more significant stockpiling and hoarding of medications, causing an imbalance in availability and making it harder for patients with genuine needs to access their required treatments. There's an increased risk of medication overdoses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and seniors."

"By providing larger quantities of medication at a time, there is a heightened likelihood of accidental overdoses, prescription misuse, and diversion of medications to unauthorised users. This poses a significant threat to public health and safety."

Mr Chester said the federal government should listen to the concerns of community pharmacy owners across regional Australia and recognise the critical role they played during the coronavirus pandemic. "We need our local pharmacies to remain economically viable and I'm concerned that this change will also undermine the financial situation for these small and family-owned businesses," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season.
• Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
  Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
  Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
  Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success.
• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community groups to prepare applications for Community Project grants round 2 from 2 until 27 February 2026
  Round Two of Baw Baw Shire’s Community Project Grants opens in February, offering community groups up to $5,000, with Applications by Appointment mandatory before submitting proposals by 27 February 2026.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
  East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses.